Raw Buckwheat Groats: You can find buckwheat in the breakfast cereal aisle in major grocery stores. When shopping for it, you will likely see them labeled in two ways. The first is buckwheat, which is usually the raw (untoasted) version, and the second is kasha. Kasha is made by roasting buckwheat groats until they turn golden brown. It offers a more intense and earthier flavor. In this buckwheat groats cereal recipe, I am using raw buckwheat groats for its milder taste, but kasha can also be used. Water: Plain water is a great starting point. You will need a ratio of 3:1 liquid to buckwheat groats. Sea salt: A nice pinch of salt enhances the natural nutty flavour of the buckwheat.
Butter: Russian buckwheat porridge is traditionally made with a tab of butter and served as a side dish or a delicious breakfast. The extra fat adds a nice silky texture. Olive oil or vegan butter is a good substitute. Milk: Feel free to replace the water (or a portion of it) with regular milk or any plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Superfoods: To make your buckwheat breakfast bowl even more nutritious, you can stir in a spoonful of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flaxseed meal. Flavorings: Give it a warming touch with cinnamon, cardamom, pumpkin spice, or nutmeg. A touch of vanilla extract adds an extra special layer of sweetness, too. Fruit: Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, pomegranate seeds, or sauteed apples adds a nice touch. Sweeteners: Use your favorite sweetener like maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey if not vegan. Seed or nut butter: Seed butters like sunflower seed butter or tahini, or nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter add a nutty richness.
Overnight Buckwheat Porridge
If you are looking for a faster approach to this buckwheat cereal recipe, an overnight soak is your answer. Although it’s an extra step, soaking the buckwheat groats overnight drastically reduces the cooking time and removes some of the phytic acid, which improves nutrient absorption and digestibility (even for those with a healthy digestive system). If you want to make overnight buckwheat groats, simply:
Soak: Stir together 3 cups liquid (water or milk) with 1 cup buckwheat groats, with the option to add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Store in an airtight container overnight in the refrigerator. Simmer: The next morning, transfer it to a small saucepan and simmer until thickened to your liking, no more than 4 to 5 minutes.
Refrigerate: Store leftover buckwheat porridge in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mixture will thicken the longer it sits, but you can add a splash of milk to bring it back to its original consistency. Reheat: When ready to enjoy, add a splash of milk and reheat in 30-second intervals in the microwave until warm, Or, reheat in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Do not skip rinsing the buckwheat: Rinsing the buckwheat is a crucial step as it helps to remove any dust or debris and can also reduce the natural bitterness in the seeds. The ratio of liquid to buckwheat groats: I’ve found that the 3:1 liquid-to-buckwheat ratio (3 cups liquid to 1 cup groats) produces the most creamy buckwheat porridge. During our recipe testing, we tried the 2:1 Ratio and found that the end result was drier and the texture was rather dense. With that being said, feel free to experiment with more or less liquid depending on your desired consistency. Watch the pot closely: It’s important to keep a close eye on the buckwheat while simmering on the stove top. The groats tend to stick to the bottom and scorch, resulting in a bitter flavor and unappealing texture. For best results, keep a close eye on it and stir it a few times during the cooking process. Give it a personal touch: Add any of your favorite toppings like seeds, nuts, nut butters, sweeteners, and more. Or, although it is not traditional, you can play around with the flavors and add additional flavorings like cocoa powder, cacao powder, matcha powder, cinnamon sticks, ground spices, or extracts of your choosing.
